What is sustainable development?

What is sustainable development?

Creating a fair, healthy and thriving world for people and the planet – now and for generations to come.

The world has been exploring sustainable development solutions for over 30 years. And the understanding of sustainable development has come a long way in that time.

As communities grow and change, and as we measure our impact on the natural world, sustainable development prioritises balanced progress for social inclusion and environmental sustainability, as well as economic prosperity.

And as we seek this sustainable balance, we ask ourselves challenging questions: how can we build a thriving future together, where no one is left behind? How do we ensure the wellbeing of humanity and the natural world? How can we repair and/or minimise the impacts of climate change? How do we create a circular economy that keeps our precious resources in the system for as long as possible? How can we support rich biodiversity in our ecosystems? How do we create behaviours and systems that will support successful sustainable development?

But first, let’s understand how we got here.

A brief history of sustainable development

By the mid 17th century, the industrial revolution had delivered the world unprecedented economic growth and many advances, such as electricity. But, as the world became increasingly reliant on fossil fuels, this progress came at a huge cost to the environment and society.

Once again, the world sought global change.

In 1987, the United Nations Commission on Environment and Development published a report called Our Common Future (also known as the Brundtland Report). For the first time, the global community learned about the concept of sustainable development and its guiding principles. The report defines sustainable development as, “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

In 1992, the Rio Earth Summit resulted in Agenda 21, Think Globally, Act Locally which focussed on sustainable development through localised initiatives.

Then there was a new wave of global action to focus, connect and amplify our combined effort across a broad range of sustainable ambitions.

In 2015, the United Nations and its 193 member countries adopted the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is a 15-year plan that addresses 17 global and interconnected issues, including the reduction in poverty and hunger, putting an end to discrimination, and preventing the long-term consequences of climate change.

The SDGs and targets that stimulate action to achieve a better, more connected and sustainable future are set out in Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Creating a sustainable future, now

At Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI), the SDGs are the solid foundations for our interdisciplinary approach. Our work connects diverse areas of influence, expertise, and lived experience across society, to advance multiple sustainable goals.

Monash was the first Australian university to commit to an energy reduction target and, at MSDI, we're proud to be a leader in taking action on climate change, including co-founding Climateworks Centre with the Myer Foundation to accelerate just transitions to net zero emissions for Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Behaviourworks Australia brings behaviour change researchers together with government and industry to find behavioural solutions to real-world problems.

Our Water work improves the sustainability and resilience of water systems and contributes to climate action, planetary health, circular economy, and community empowerment including water sensitive urban design work through Water Sensitive Cities Australia, and honouring First Nations peoples’ knowledge and self-determination through Aqua Nullius.

Our many initiatives and projects also take a collaborative approach to long-term change:

Learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals and how Monash is doing its part to contribute to the SDGs.

Help create a sustainable world

Sustainable development action is everyone's responsibility and opportunity; it also happens to be our purpose and specialty! Be part of the global conversation to shape the future for people and the planet – study, work or partner with MSDI, or contact your local council to get involved in your own community.